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Update – August 27,2010!!!

PIECES GOES DIGITAL!!

After a couple of technical glitches holding it back a little bit, the album has finally got it’s digital release and will be popping up on more and more digital download sites over the coming weeks!!

I did a promo video to celebrate the release which you can find here, and you can purchase the album via CD Baby, Amazon, Great Indie.com, Good Noise.com, and Emusic.com, with more to come soon!!

Also for you old schoolers, you can still pick up a physical CD version (what are they? :P ) from the store here at CS-Songs.com!!

THE FECKERS

We’re kicking arse!!! More great performances from Dennis, Roy, Rob, Paul and even my cousin Irene Slade. Not to mention a cameo appearance from Mrs Jennifer Leeflang too which was fantastic!!!

Feel free to sign up to our Facebook Page, and suggest to your friends!!

To get a little sneak peak of what this thing is going to sound like, check out this video of me doing guitars on an as yet unreleased track from the album!!

The plan at this stage is that one or two singles may come out before the album which would be accompanied by a video ideally. Given the locales of all the contributors to this album, this may be ambitious, but definitely something that we wanna do as well!! Stay tuned!!

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Update – 10.08.10!!!

At the start of the month we had 4 days in the studio which was a combination of Feckers and solo stuff – both of which we made quite a lot of progress on!!! :D

SOLO STUFF – Check out my Youtube Channel for a new video with Skube and I singing backing vocals on one of the songs that will be on my next album!!! We finished off lead vocals for this round of songs on day 1 of the studio sessions just gone. Just gotta add a string section, and it’ll be a done deal!! To say I’m happy with the results would be an absolute understatement. Note there’s no release date for this set as yet – so far we’re 4 songs into it, so you’ll know more closer to it being finished!!

FECKERS – Days 2, 3 and 4 were spent working on Feckers material – from Skube doing bass tracks on an as yet unnamed track, to our cousin Irene Slad doing some killer vocals on two songs so far, to myself laying down bass and guitars on several tracks.

Since I got back, we’ve also had some more drum tracks come in from Mr Leeflang, some vocals from Mr Smith, and some more vocals from Mr Bratbakken. It’s all kicking total butt, and we can’t wait for you to hear it!!!!

We’ve also got a little snippet from me doing guitar tracks from this album on the Youtube channel, so make sure you pay a visit!!!

Only a short one today, but keep an ear out cause there is heaps of stuff happening and I love it!!!! :D

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Update – June 14, 2010!!!

STORE REVAMP:

CS Poster

Finally added posters to the store as well as giving it an overall revamping. Folks should find it easier to use and hopefully a little better to look at too. Now along with Credit Card and Paypal, you can also use Money Orders which are available pretty much world wide as far as I’m aware. Any questions when ordering, email info@cs-songs.com

As well as all that, I’ve decided to to honour the shipping discount I offered over the Christmas / New Year period indefinitely – so basically anything you order from the store comes with free shipping!!

Check it out at http://www.cs-songs.com/store

NEW MUSIC:

CS - Piano

Had some more fantastic sessions at Red Planet over recent weeks. Played some piano and finished off guitar on the songs we’re doing right now, and it’s sounding beyond what I ever could have hoped for already!! One of the songs is turning into quite a monster, growing and growing as monsters do!!

Mr Adrian Bryan was kind enough to come down and contribute some violin on this track for us which was fantastic. This was really cool for Skube and I, as Adrian was the guitar tutor at Claremont College when we were students there in the 1990’s!!

Adrian Bryan

Will be uploading some vids asap, and possibly be leaking audio snippets of the stuff too as it’s completed!! Stay tuned!!

FECKERS:

Had some guitar sessions for The Feckers stuff recently at the house. Much thanks here to Steve Solomon and my Bro Mathew Szkup for loaning the gear. For a novice at this engineering stuff I think it went pretty good!!! Also thanks to my lady Aisha Polat for her help with engineering on this stuff too!!

Dennis Leeflang has been drumming up a storm on more stuff in the meantime, and we’re now close to having all of the drum tracks complete!!

EXCLUSIVES:

I’ve recently tried a few things – give aways, discounted shipping, and even a happy hour via the websites to try and inject some fun and a little bit of humour into things too.

While you’ll read about these things on all of my sites eventually, the quickest way to catch them is via Facebook, where everything is posted to originally, then the other sites automatically update with the info.

So feel free to sign up to my Facebook music page to ensure you don’t miss out on any future offers!!

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Update – May 03, 2010!!!

Hey just a quick check in after a loooooooooong few days, and weeks really. Things are flying at the moment, and things are changing too!! Has been an interesting, but rewarding time of late and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here!!

ALBUM #2 – While we lost 3 drum tracks from July last year, it didn’t hold us back at all, as we were able to revisit those tracks and make them even more killer than they were!! As it’s my Bro and I bashing them out it’s real quick and natural to do another take, so we didn’t find this a problem at all retaking 3 out of 4 songs, and I’m pleased to report that after some fantastic progress over the last few weeks, the 4 songs basically need a couple of solos, piano / keys, and vocals and they’re a done deal!!

Might be some vids popping up from these sessions during the week and I’ve just uploaded a few pics to all the sites.

THE FECKERS – The cat is now officially out of the bag that joining us on drums for The Feckers album is none other than Mr Dennis Leeflang who currently plays for Bumblefoot and Lita Ford, as well as running a fantastic studio out of New York where he’s now based.

If you haven’t heard of this guy, go right away to http://www.dennisleeflang.com/

As for the album itself, we’re 7 tracks or so into the drums, with various other bits for pretty much all the tracks including vocals and guitars. Coming along fantastically!!

I’m going to be engineering some guitar parts for the album now and doing a lot more of the behind the scenes hands on stuff which is going to be keeping me even more busy on this stuff.

We still have some guests to confirm, but the stuff is turning out killer!!! We’ll have a website that you can keep an eye on in the future!!

GROUPIE CHRIS!! – Got to meet a couple of musical heroes of mine recently – Marty Friedman (ex Megadeth) and Devin Townsend (solo, Strapping Young Lad).

 

Quite an inspiring time!!!

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Update – February 23, 2010!!!

Wow nearly 25% of the year is done and I haven’t even said HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I have been told I’m a little bit slow haha, but the truth is that I just haven’t had the chance to update!!! Lots been happening on this end, but before I post the progress on everything I’m up to musically right now, I just wanna say that I hope you have a fantastic 2010 and beyond!!! All the best to you and yours, and I appreciate everyone that is along for the ride!!! :D

2ND ALBUM – Even though I haven’t sold a million of the first one yet, all I know how to do is another one, and we started the drums for it in July 09. Am happy to report that we’ll be doing geetars, bass, and basically as much as possible next week at Red Planet!!!! There’s one song I’m particularly excited about giving the proper treatment to as it’s a 3 songs in one deal that covers a lot of different styles within. Will post on how we go afterwards!!! :D

FECKERS – We’ve made some real awesome progress on this album, which is the one Richard Anderson and I are putting together with guest singers and players from around the world. At the time of writing we don’t have a title for the album, but knowing that guy, one won’t be far away!! :P

Anyway, we have drums for 5 tracks, all or most of the music done on 3, vocal tracks for maybe 5 or 6, some keys tracks etc. Considering we weren’t even sure this thing would start when we hoped, to be almost half way into it is a great feeling!!

The songs range from good fun rock n roll to slamming metal and the occasional acoustic ballad as well. Working with all the different talent has been a great experience, and to the folks that might have let us down in the past when trying to get these songs together, we even have a special dedication for you!!! :P

AND BEYOND – Starting to slowly look at whats gonna follow the 2 albums mentioned above, and have loads of songs for what we have planned. Gonna be another old songwriting partnership hopefully doing some stuff in this time, but it’s early days!!

MORE TO COME – As of ten minutes ago, more cool news rolled in, but unfortunately I can’t tell just yet. But having said that, there’s plenty to come, and it’s gonna rock!!! :D

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Free shipping until 01/01/10

Ho ho ho and stuff!!!! Hope everyone is well!!!

For anyone who might not have had the chance to pick up “Pieces of Eternity” as yet, the time couldn’t be better as we’re offering free shipping for the festive season and right through until 01/01/10!!!

Place your order as normal through the store at http://www.cs-songs.com/store and let us know if you have any problems. May include other sweeteners as well for orders placed during this time!!!

Much thanks and all the best!!! :D

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Update – November 9, 2009!!!

Chris live - October 31, 2009!!

Hey all,

Been NUTS busy – haven’t had a chance to update this thing in a while!! Am taking a break here cramming on songs to write an update on everything that’s happened over the last little bit, so here goes!!

GIGS:

Over the last couple of weeks I found myself on the stage for the first time in 3 years!!! Very cool to be back I have to say!!!

First up I did The Roarhouse @ The Espy Basement Bar on October 21st. Hadn’t attended one of these before so I wasn’t sure what to expect!! Ended up being a real fun night though and met some great folks there!! Played this one solo, and included the songs “(I Can’t) Start Again”, “October 22”, and “Soundtrack”, all from my recently released album “Pieces of Eternity”!!

Next up, I was playing guitar in an acoustic trio version of Liminal on October 31st, as part of the Halloween Showcase Of Death, put on by the good folks at http://www.thataudioguy.net/, which was live streamed on the internet via their site, and also several community radio stations!!

The guys were all fantastic to work with, and got to see some great acts after our set as well. Played a handful of Liminal songs, a cover of “Total Control”, and also the live debut of “Lost Soul” which is from my solo album also!! We look forward to hopefully being part of more of these events in the future.

The following gigs are still to come this year with more being worked on behind the scenes: November 13th @ The OC, Fitzroy, with Problem, and Josh Murphy’s Filthy Soup, and November 30th with Hurb Jephasun and Corinna Jane @ The Good Folk Club, Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick!!

NOTE: The OC gig is with Liminal, and the Good Folk Club is as guest guitarist!!

RECORDING:

Been recording for The Feckers at Melbourne Records for the last few months, and in the downtime for that I decided to start nailing some of the acoustic tracks I have had laying around for quite a while now. It may end up an album, they may end up a couple of EP’s, or possibly extra tracks. I’m as yet undecided on that, but have 8 songs done musically and it’s coming along nicely!! More info as it happens!!

THE ALBUM:

Is slowly taking over the world!! Haha!!

Getting my music into some cool countries I never thought I’d ever have anything to do with – Germany, Italy, USA, UK to name a few – everyone’s support is much appreciated!!! Had some cool support from the folks at 3cr Radio here in Melbourne, and currently talking about some more!! Anyone out there that thinks my music may suit your format, definitely get in touch!!

And on that note, I think that is it!!

If anyone is a Twitter-er-er-er, feel free to follow me at http://www.twitter.com/eatpopslop

Facebook, you can find my music page here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Chris-Szkup/69180289920?ref=search&sid=639243376.272513128..1

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Happy October 22!!!!

Hey folks,

As mentioned, being October 22 today here in Australia, I figured it would be rude to not have a cheesy gimmick to do with that date considering there is a song on my album of that name.

Sooooo, for a limited time, check out “October 22” on the http://www.myspace.com/eatpopslop

(HAPPY BIRTHDAY Suzanne!!! :D)

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Update – September 29, 2009!! – Radio and Live Shows!!!

Hey folks!!

Lotsa stuff going on here!! Is an awesome time right now!!

Firstly, THANKS to Stephen Titter and 3CR Community Radio, who will be playing some of not only mine, but also GONE WILD’S music this Thursday October 1st @ 12pm (AEST). Listen online at http://www.3cr.org.au/

The end of 2009 will see yours truly getting back onto the live stage!! There are more dates being talked about, but so far, the following are confirmed:

October 21st @ The Espy (Basement Bar), 8.00pm

Chris Szkup unplugged – Will be a short solo set by Chris featuring a few songs from “Pieces of Eternity”. Will also be copies available if anyone needs them!

( http://www.theespy.com.au/ / http://www.roarhouse.org/ )

November 30th @ The Brunswick Club – 140 Sydney Road, 8.00pm

Corinna and Hurb Jephasun @ The Good Folk Club – I’ll be jamming with my good friends on guitar for this event!! Looking forward to it!!

( http://www.brunswickhotel.net/ )

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Pieces of Eternity Lyrics!!!

For those folks wanting to check out lyrics for the album, wanted to post them here for now – will integrate them into the site a lot better as I get a chance to!!

“First Blood” (C.Szkup)

What is it like up there, can you tell me?
The tops of people’s heads, is all that you must see
I’m here to remind you, you’re less than you believe
And even less again, is how you are perceived

Generally….continuing to snipe at me

Little did you ever know
First blood would go to me!

Deductor, deconstructor, architect of pain
Inflicting sadness, suffering is your aim
Your deception causing misconception – stumping me
But in this case the underdog tastes victory

You will see……you’ll never own the strings of me

Little did you ever know
First blood would go to me!
Because I still am complete
And stronger than you’ll ever be!

(SOLOS – Skube, Chris)

I’m on my way to the top today
Can’t send me on another way
Little did you ever know
That further than you I would go

Little did you ever know
First blood would go to me!
Because I still am complete
And stronger than you’ll ever be!

(SOLOS – Skube, Chris)

(I Can’t) Start Again (C.Szkup)

I try, and I try
I can’t do it, I don’t know why
How long, will this last?
What happened to “All Things Must Pass”?

New start, I seek
But this niggling makes me weak
Plateau, for me
Now “I Want to Break Free”

Nothing I want more but I can’t start again
I can see clearly but the past I can’t forget
Like the sad clown wishing he need not pretend
I can’t start again

I “Play, the game”
Not to let them in – the aim
Put on, my mask
Rehearsing of the script my task

Show time, I start
Another crack inside my heart
Too much, for me
Show must and does go on – barely

Nothing I want more but I can’t start again
I can see clearly but the past I can’t forget
Like the sad clown wishing he need not pretend
I can’t start again

(SOLO)

(Wish that I could)

Nothing I want more but I can’t start again
I can see clearly but the past I can’t forget
Like the sad clown wishing he need not pretend
I can’t start again

(Can reach the end, but I can’t reach the start
I try, I try but it always falls apart)

Soundtrack (C.Szkup)

We wake up every day
You obviously love the way
I fake laugh at each thing you say
Over exaggerate
Cheesy voice, verbal masturbate
Every point I over inflate

When it comes to music I will tell you what we do
Bow to big business when they pump currency through

Veteran acts, from yesteryear
Forget their talent in this stale atmosphere
Heart and soul, sticks out a mile
Like the jewelery misplaced in the compost pile

Like clockwork every day
Same mediocure thing we play
Tapping your feet in the same way
Over it’s end I speak
List irrelevence of the week
With the excuse it’s tongue in cheek

Envious of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day
I do the same thing for a fraction of the pay

No longer the, guitar is played
We average .01 solos in a day
Harmony, the processed kind
Such inspiration from such beautiful minds

(Don’t you know)
I got a pro tools rig today with
Vocal sustain I’ll blow you away
The pitching and prowess that’s on display

(Backdoor show)
I’d pull my jeans up past my knees
But the world must wanna see
My plumbers (crack) and the brand of my undies

Killer of the game
Disciple of the mundane
Ruiner of the name
Another hack, miming to the soundtrack

Taker of the prize
With efforts half the size
Tabloids got your back
Another hack, miming to the soundtrack
So set me free, with a melody

October 22 (C.Szkup)

Long ago I had a dream
Impossible it did not seem
Was so young and I had, ambitions and
Anything desired I could be

Line of thought gets lost somewhere
Attitudes change amongst despair
And before I knew, what I should do
My dreams vanished into thin air

There are many paths around us
If we’re looking for a turn to make
No one every got hopes and dreams on a plate
Meet life’s instructor, AKA mistakes

Then one fine summers day
Successfully in dismay
Was shown something where, I’d previously been
Attitude heads the other way

No doing it if you don’t try
New mission statement had by I
Don’t look back to where, you did not care
Once again aiming for the sky

There are many paths around us
If we’re looking for a turn to make
No one every got hopes and dreams on a plate
Meet life’s instructor, AKA mistakes

Now I’ve finally got somewhere
The risk I took well it got me there
And I say to you, keep your feelings true
Stay positive you will get there

There are many paths around us
If we’re looking for a turn to make
No one every got hopes and dreams on a plate
Meet life’s instructor, AKA mistakes

To A Scream (C.Szkup)

Most of my senses for the body of my life
Could everything but say
Cacophony of thought invaded my brain
But that was yesterday

Ready to untangle this randomness
Ready to guide thought on it’s way
Have so much that I wanna tell
So many things to say

Watch me develop this, whisper to a scream
Watch me strengthen this, whisper to a scream

Now a message to all those that stood on me
Let the rematch begin
Only one thing is certain
You will lose and I will win

Watch me develop this, whisper to a scream
Watch me strengthen this, whisper to a scream

I’m flying, can’t cut me down
I’ll turn, negative around

Attempting the impossible getting in my way
If you know whats good for you, far away you’ll stay
Amount of the might I bear double yesterday
Reversal of fortune, I am here to stay

I’m flying, I know what I need
I’m ready, to succeed

Attempting the impossible getting in my way
If you know whats good for you, far away you’ll stay
Amount of the might I bear double yesterday
Reversal of fortune, I am here to stay

Watch me develop this whisper to a scream, c’mon!
Watch me strengthen this whisper to a scream, c’mon!
Not a single qualm in taking you on, c’mon!
Listen to me cause I’ll show you that you’re wrong, c’mon!

(SOLOS – Skube, Chris, Skube, Chris)

Watch me develop this, whisper to a scream
Watch me strengthen this, whisper to a scream

Lost Soul (C.Szkup / C.Reid)

My soul is lost on foreign sand
Needs to be lent a helping hand
So many obstacles in the way (of the)
Rebuilding of all this decay

My soul is lost at sea
Only you can rescue me
Seeking the journey back home
But cannot face it alone

The day so dark, the night shines bright
Nothing I assume is ever right
At the end of the day, you’re so far away
You’re the only cure for my decay

My heart it lingers with my soul
The two abducted as a whole
The one desire I foresee
Like all my dreams it cannot be

The day so dark, the night shines bright
Nothing I assume is ever right
At the end of the day, you’re so far away
You’re the only cure for my decay

(SOLO)

The day so dark, the night shines bright
Nothing I assume is ever right
At the end of the day, you’re so far away
You’re the only cure for my decay

Further away, lost my soul remains

Innate Self Destruct (C.Szkup / C.Reid)

(Oh yeah)

Unfragile I’m stronger than all
My hand the one that makes you fall, oh yeah
Hundred percent against the grain
I am the sole composer of your pain

An instinct that you know well
Misery all I sell

I’ll give a new life with much more
Desire for death you can’t ignore
Don’t close you eyes, don’t close your mind
Look deep within what can you find, oh yeah

An instinct that you know well
Misery all I sell

Between failures I lead you
No prevention you can use
Your life I gradually deduct
I am innate self destruct

I’m nothing good, I’m all things bad
My pleasure is to make you sad, oh yeah
I break you then come back for more
Won’t stop until your body’s sore, oh yeah

An instinct that you know well
Misery all I sell

Between failures I lead you
No prevention you can use
Your life I gradually deduct
I am innate self destruct

I’m nothing good, I’m all things bad, Innate
My pleasure is to make you sad, Innate
I break you then come back for more, Innate
I won’t stop until your body’s sore, Innate

Unfragile I’m stronger than all, Innate
My hand the one that makes you fall, Innate
Hundred percent against the grain I am, Innate
I am the sole composer of your pain, Innate

(SOLO)

(Ya think I’m jokin’ dont ya!)